Santander University of Brighton Competitions and Grants

The Santander X University of Brighton Student Enterprise Business Ideas Competition

Do you have an idea for a new product, service, digital tool or community project? 

The 2025 competition, called The People and Planet Prize, is inspired by the University’s Global Challenges. We encourage you to generate an idea for a startup, social enterprise, or freelancing service that you can turn into a viable business that benefits people or our planet. Tell us how your innovative idea tackles one of these four global challenges: equality and inclusivity, creative sustainable economies, climate change, or well-being.

Your idea will most likely be linked to sustainability or be a business for good – ‘businesses for good’ are purpose-led, contributing positively to people and the planet while still being profitable.

 Send in your innovative ideas for a new product, service, digital tool or community project and compete for the chance to win prizes of between £250 and £1,000 plus pitch training and mentorship from distinguished external judges. 

The 2025 competition is now closed. The final will be held on 17 March 2025.

Student Enterprise Fund: START and GROW

The Student Enterprise Team has launched two new grants programmes 'START' and ‘GROW’ – exclusively open to University of Brighton students or recent graduates (Class of 2023 or 2024).

What is the START grant programme?

The START grant programme is aimed at any student or recent graduate who is either looking to explore a new business idea, creative practice, social enterprise or freelance business or is in the process of doing so and needs funding to launch their business.

You can apply for up to £300, and use a START grant to pay towards a range of early-stage business costs, such as prototyping; essential equipment; marketing activities and materials; website development; initial stock; software; intellectual property protection; training etc.

How do I apply for a START grant?

To apply for a START grant, download the START Grant Guidance Notes 2025, follow the instructions outlined in the document, and email your application to the Student Enterprise team at: beepurple@brighton.ac.uk.

The START grant programme will end on Friday, 6 June 2025.

What is the GROW grant programme?

The GROW grant programme, generously funded by Santander, is aimed at any current student or recent graduate (Class of 2023 or 2024) who is running a business or social enterprise, and who is looking to accelerate their business growth either by developing new products and services or by introducing new processes or ways of doing things.

You can apply for up to £1500, and use a GROW grant to pay towards new product development or prototyping; equipment; marketing activities and materials; website development; software; intellectual property protection; consultancy etc.

How do I apply for a GROW grant?

To apply for a GROW grant, download the GROW Grant Guidance Notes 2025 and follow the instructions outlined in the document. Please note, you will need to submit your GROW grant application via the Santander X platform.

The GROW grant programme will end on Friday, 6 June 2025.